H1N1 Deaths Reported to DHHS

Four Corners Health Department and South Heartland District Health Department have reported H1N1 deaths to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).The Seward County woman was in her 50s. The Adams County woman was in her 70s. Both had underlying health conditions. Because of state statutes, the names and other details about the people can’t be released. “Any death brings pain and grief to a family and my condolences go out to them,” said Dr. Joann Schaefer, Chief Medical Officer for DHHS.“One of these deaths was a senior citizen. Most elderly appear to have immunity to H1N1 across the country. H1N1 disproportionately affects children. When elderly do get H1N1, they appear to have more severe complications,” she said.There are still things seniors can do to protect themselves:

Get a pneumonia shot

Wash their hands

Cover their cough

Get seasonal flu vaccine when it’s available

So far, there have been a total of 10 H1N1 flu deaths reported in Nebraska. DHHS will continue to track deaths from H1N1.